This page exists because we believe the most trustworthy organizations are the ones willing to put their standards in writing — not buried in a contract, but visible to anyone who wants to understand how we operate.

We teach businesses to be transparent. This page is us practicing what we preach.

Table of Contents

1. Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
2. Business and Licensing Transparency
3. Speaking Engagement and Services Policy
4. Pricing Transparency
5. Communication Standards
6. Editorial Standards
7. AI Content Disclosure
8. Accessibility Statement
9. How to Raise a Concern
10. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

Our whole business is built around one idea: organizations that are willing to say what others won’t will earn more trust, more customers, and more market share than those that hide. That belief shapes how we operate internally, not just what we teach externally.

• We answer the questions most speakers and consultants avoid — including pricing, limitations, and situations where we are not the right fit
• We do not use high-pressure sales tactics, false urgency, or manufactured scarcity
• We give honest assessments, even when they are uncomfortable — if an engagement will not produce real value for your audience, we will say so before you sign anything
• We do not take every opportunity that comes our way; we prioritize fit over volume
• We treat every client’s investment as exactly that — an investment — and hold ourselves accountable to delivering genuine value
• If something goes wrong, we deal with it directly rather than hoping it goes away

The standard we apply to every decision: does this build trust, or does it erode it?

2. Business and Licensing Transparency

Marcus Sheridan operates as a keynote speaking, education, and consulting business. We are not a contractor, licensed trade, or regulated professional service. There are no applicable state contractor licenses.

• Legal entity: Marcus Sheridan is a brand operated by Marcus Sheridan International, Inc.
• Business presence: Wilmington, NC 28405, United States

How to verify us:

• Website: marcussheridan.com
• Published books: They Ask, You Answer and Endless Customers, available through major retailers
• Speaking history: 700+ live events across North America, Europe, and Australia
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/marcussheridan

3. Speaking Engagement and Services Policy

All engagements are governed by a written agreement signed by both parties. Nothing is confirmed — not the date, not the topic, not any deliverable — until a contract is signed and the deposit is received.

• Deposit: A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to hold any speaking date. The remaining balance is due two weeks before the event.
• What is included: Speaking fee, flat travel fee where applicable, and hotel accommodations charged to the client’s master account. All specifics are outlined in the individual agreement.
• Customization: We customize presentations to the audience, industry, and objectives whenever possible. We do not use a one-size-fits-all keynote.
• Cancellation and rescheduling: If a client changes or cancels an event, the deposit is retained and may be applied toward a future engagement within one year. If the change occurs within 30 days of the event, the deposit is forfeited.
• If we cancel: In the unlikely event Marcus is unable to fulfill an engagement, the client may reschedule within one year or receive a full refund of the deposit paid.
• Force majeure: Events beyond reasonable control — including natural disasters, government restrictions, or pandemics — may suspend obligations until conditions allow performance. This applies to both parties.

4. Pricing Transparency

We believe in being as clear as possible about pricing, even though exact fees vary by engagement.

• Speaking fees are provided early in the inquiry process, before you invest significant time evaluating fit
• Fees vary based on scope, audience size, travel requirements, exclusivity, and level of customization
• There are no surprise add-ons beyond what is outlined in a written agreement
• If scope changes after an agreement is signed, pricing adjustments are discussed and approved before any additional work proceeds
• No payments are collected before a contract is signed

We do not hide pricing behind “contact us for a quote” if we can give you a real number. We hold our clients to that same standard.

You can get a general sense of speaking fees and what impacts them on our Pricing & Estimator page. It will not give you an exact number — no calculator can account for every variable — but it will give you a real starting point before you ever reach out.

5. Communication Standards

• Initial inquiries submitted through marcussheridan.com/contact are typically responded to within one to two business days
• Day-to-day communication is handled by our team; Marcus is involved in event planning and delivery specifics
• We communicate clearly about timelines, next steps, and expectations at every stage
• If something changes on our end, we tell you promptly — we do not let things drift
• Concerns and issues are addressed directly, not deflected

Escalation: If your concern is not being resolved through normal communication, email becca@marcussheridan.com directly and mark it urgent. We take that seriously.

6. Editorial Standards

All content published under the Marcus Sheridan name — articles, social posts, keynote materials, books, newsletters — is held to the following standards:

• Claims are based on real experience, real data, or clearly attributed sources
• We do not publish content designed to mislead, manipulate, or manufacture urgency
• Opinions are stated as opinions; facts are stated as facts
• We update or correct content when it no longer reflects accurate thinking
• We credit external sources when ideas originate elsewhere
• We do not publish content we are not willing to defend publicly

Our newsletter, Known & Trusted, follows these same standards.

7. AI Content Disclosure

We use AI tools — including large language models — as part of our content workflow. We believe in being transparent about this because we teach transparency, and because the norms around AI disclosure are shifting fast.

Here is exactly how AI is used in our work:

• AI may be used for initial drafts, research assistance, outline generation, and editing passes
• All content is reviewed, edited, and approved by a human before publication
• No content is published that is purely AI-generated and unreviewed
• All frameworks, ideas, and teaching reflect Marcus Sheridan’s thinking, experience, and intellectual property — AI does not generate our core IP
• We do not use AI to fabricate quotes, fake testimonials, or manufacture social proof

Our position: AI is a tool, not a ghostwriter with authority. The thinking is ours. The standards are ours.

8. Accessibility Statement

We are committed to making our content and experiences accessible to as many people as possible.

• Written content is designed for clarity, plain language, and scannability
• Content is designed to work across devices and screen sizes
• Video content will increasingly include captions as our production standards evolve
• For speaking engagements: we will make reasonable accommodations for accessibility needs when notified in advance — contact us at becca@marcussheridan.com to discuss specifics

9. How to Raise a Concern

If something does not meet your expectations — whether it is a communication issue, a concern about our content, or a question about an engagement — we want to hear it directly.

Contact: becca@marcussheridan.com

When you reach out:

• Tell us specifically what happened and what you expected
• We will acknowledge your concern within two business days
• We will work toward a fair resolution, not a defensive one

We would rather know about a problem and fix it than have you walk away quietly. That is not just a policy — it is how we actually feel about it.

10. Frequently Asked Questions

How does pricing work for speaking engagements?

Speaking fees are not one-size-fits-all, and we are upfront about that. Fees vary based on audience size, event scope, travel requirements, whether exclusivity is involved, and the level of customization needed. Rather than making you jump through hoops to get a number, we share fee guidance early — usually in the first exchange. You can also get a general starting point before you reach out by using our Pricing Estimator.

Do you guarantee results?

No, and we will not pretend otherwise. What we guarantee is that every engagement reflects real-world experience, proven frameworks, and genuine preparation for your specific audience. What we cannot control is what happens after Marcus leaves the stage. Organizations that do the work see results. Anyone in this industry who promises a specific outcome in exchange for a keynote fee is not being straight with you.

Do you customize presentations?

Yes — and this is non-negotiable for us. A canned talk delivered to every audience is not something we do. Before every engagement, we learn about your audience, your industry, your specific challenges, and what success looks like for your event. That research shapes the content. The frameworks are proven; the application is specific to you.

What happens after I contact you?

Becca, our Chief of Staff, reviews every inquiry and typically responds within one to two business days. She may ask a few questions upfront — about your audience, your event date, your objectives — to make sure there is a genuine fit before either side invests more time. If there is a fit, she will walk you through next steps. If there is not, she will tell you that too.

Can an event be rescheduled after it is booked?

Yes, with conditions. If you need to change the date, your deposit can be applied toward a future engagement within one year. If the change happens within 30 days of the original event date, the deposit is forfeited. We know that events are complex and circumstances change — we try to be as flexible as possible, and the specifics are always outlined clearly in your agreement before you sign anything.

How do I know if Marcus is the right fit for my event?

Ask us directly and we will give you a straight answer. Marcus works primarily with organizations focused on sales, marketing, leadership, and communication — and increasingly, AI adoption and trust-building in the digital age. Industries range from manufacturing and construction to SaaS, financial services, and associations. If your audience is wrestling with how to earn trust, communicate more effectively, or adapt to a world where buyers do most of their research before ever talking to a salesperson, there is probably a strong fit. If not, we will tell you — because a bad fit does not serve anyone.

What should I expect on the day of the event?

Marcus arrives early. He requires a 60-minute AV and sound check before going on stage. He does not use a podium — he works the room and engages the audience directly, which means he needs access off the stage when one is elevated. He runs his own presentation from the house computer and does not share slides in advance because they are updated right up until showtime. What your audience can expect: a session that moves fast, challenges their assumptions, and gives them frameworks they can actually use the following week.

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Marcus Sheridan is a brand operated by Marcus Sheridan International, Inc.